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spookystitch8's review against another edition
dark
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
daisy_eliza's review against another edition
5.0
Hands down the best book I've read in a long time. Each character is clearcut and Marsh is a character that you can't help but root for. Sour Billy is so evil that it makes the book thrilling and you can't help but adore Marsh's devotion to his boat, like a lover, even when times get hard. The epilougue is short, sweet and beautiful. One of the best books i've ever read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Blood, Slavery, Physical abuse, Cannibalism, Death, and Gore
crispymango's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kathydavie's review against another edition
5.0
Gods...this was scary. A completely different vampire story that plays out on the Mississippi River in the late 1800s.
youraveragedave's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A vampire story set on the Mississippi River in the mid 1800s. I haven't read this much steamboat action since reading Mark Twain.
As with any good vampire tale, GRRM gives them a unique twist. Joshua York has developed a way to slake the "red thirst" and it's converting others to his side, with the hope of joining human society. The chapter where he recounts his history was enthralling. Damon Julian on the other hand is the classic evil vampire, but with no real motive, just having power. His Renfield is a true weasel of a man, Sour Billy, who's probably the most memorable character. The main character is a down on his luck riverboat caption Abner Marsh, who just so happens to look like GRRM.
I learned a lot about steamboats and the Mississippi River, the chase sequence on the river is great. I was surprised at the number of confrontations with the ballots though, given how strong they are compared to humans.
As with any good vampire tale, GRRM gives them a unique twist. Joshua York has developed a way to slake the "red thirst" and it's converting others to his side, with the hope of joining human society. The chapter where he recounts his history was enthralling. Damon Julian on the other hand is the classic evil vampire, but with no real motive, just having power. His Renfield is a true weasel of a man, Sour Billy, who's probably the most memorable character. The main character is a down on his luck riverboat caption Abner Marsh, who just so happens to look like GRRM.
I learned a lot about steamboats and the Mississippi River, the chase sequence on the river is great. I was surprised at the number of confrontations with the ballots though, given how strong they are compared to humans.
disneynerdsworld's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
joebertx's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
bombegranate's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25